State Guides
Small claims court rules vary significantly by state. Choose your state for specific information.
Use state guides to verify the five claim tracks we are prioritizing
No matter which dispute path you start in, confirm your state limit, filing fee, and county court details before you draft or file.
Renters
Confirm deposit, repair, and move-out limits
Check your filing limit, venue rules, and county court details before pursuing a landlord-tenant money claim.
Rental guideConsumers
Verify demand-letter and filing expectations
Consumer refund and fraud disputes often turn on timing, service, and documentation requirements that vary by state.
Consumer guideContractors
Check where a contractor claim should be filed
Home improvement disputes usually require the right county, damage estimate, and supporting paperwork before filing.
Contractor guideWorkers
Review wage-claim deadlines and court fit
Use your state guide to confirm small claims limits, filing fees, and whether your wage issue belongs in court or an agency process.
Wage guideProperty owners
Match damage value to your state limit
Vehicle, neighbor, and property-damage cases move faster when you confirm the claim cap and local court details first.
Damage guideAt a Glance: State Comparison
| State | Claim Limit | Filing Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
CA California | $12,500 | $30-$75 | View Guide |
AZ Arizona | $5,000 | $30-$60 | View Guide |
NY New York | $3,000-$10,000 | $15-$20 | View Guide |
TX Texas | $20,000 | $50-$100 | View Guide |
UT Utah | $20,000 | $60-$185 | View Guide |
FL Florida | $8,000 | $55-$300 | View Guide |
PA Pennsylvania | $12,000 | $50-$125 | View Guide |
OH Ohio | $6,000 | $40-$75 | View Guide |
IL Illinois | $10,000 | $15-$50 | View Guide |
WA Washington | $10,000 | $35-$50 | View Guide |
* Limits and fees are approximate and may vary. Always verify with your local court.
California
Claim limit: $12,500
Filing fee: $30-$75
Arizona
Claim limit: $5,000
Filing fee: $30-$60
New York
Claim limit: $3,000-$10,000
Filing fee: $15-$20
Texas
Claim limit: $20,000
Filing fee: $50-$100
Utah
Claim limit: $20,000
Filing fee: $60-$185
Florida
Claim limit: $8,000
Filing fee: $55-$300
Pennsylvania
Claim limit: $12,000
Filing fee: $50-$125
Ohio
Claim limit: $6,000
Filing fee: $40-$75
Illinois
Claim limit: $10,000
Filing fee: $15-$50
Washington
Claim limit: $10,000
Filing fee: $35-$50
Looking for another state?
We currently have detailed guides for 10 states. For other states, search for "[your state] small claims court" to find official court resources.
what's in Each State Guide
Limits & Fees
Claim limits and filing costs
Forms & Links
Official court resources
Time Limits
Statutes of limitations
County Info
Local court details
Legal Disclaimer
State information is provided for general reference only and may be outdated. Always verify current rules, limits, and fees with your local court. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.